There are different ways to apply for British citizenship (or ‘naturalisation’) based on your circumstances. This is a complex area of law and advice should always be obtained before making the application.
It is a common misconception that a child born in the United Kingdom would automatically become a British Citizen. You do not automatically get British citizenship if you were born in the UK. It depends on when you were born and your parents’ circumstances. If you were born after 1 January 1983 you can apply to become a British Citizen if your parents have acquired British Citizenship or you have lived in the UK until you were 10 years or older. You will not need to apply for British Citizenship if at the time of your birth either one of your parents was a British Citizen or settled in the UK. If you were born in the UK before 1 January 1983, you automatically become a British Citizen with some exceptions.
Any child born outside the United Kingdom may be eligible to apply to register under the British Nationality Act. It will depend on the parent’s citizenship as whether they are British citizens by descent or otherwise than by descent and their parents’ acquisition. The parent of the child must also fulfill the residence requirements. There are also other circumstances in which the UK Visas and Immigration may exercise their discretion in granting British Citizenship.
You may be able to apply for British Citizenship if you have lived with your spouse/ partner for 3 years or more. You will need to meet both the residence and English Language Requirements. You may also be able to apply where you have lived in the United Kingdom for more than 5 years and have indefinite leave to remain under the Immigration Rules or EU Settlement Scheme. There are also other ways in which you can apply for British Citizenship and we here at IQ Legal Solicitors will provide you with tailored advice based on your individual circumstances.
We will advise you on the eligibility of being a British Citizen and the specified documents required, check that they are in accordance with the Immigration Rules, prepare and submit the application on your behalf and obtain the biometric appointment for you.